Captain Chad Upright, a native of Tannersville, Pennsylvania is a 2001 graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering.  He earned a Masters of Business Administration degree from Penn State University in 2009 and Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the United States Naval War College in 2015.
 
CAPT Upright earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in October 2002.  Following Fleet Replacement training at Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Ten, he was assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Eight (HS-8) in San Diego, CA where he flew the SH-60F/H Seahawk and deployed twice as a part of Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9) onboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF).
 
Following his first sea duty tour, CAPT Upright graduated from the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor course (SWTI) and served as a SWTI at Helicopter Sea Combat Weapons School, Pacific. 
 
Back to sea duty, CAPT Upright flew and served on the staff for Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14) where he deployed in support of combat Operations New Dawn, OEF, and HADR Operation Tomodachi onboard the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76).
 
In 2012, he reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Nine (HSC-9), serving as the Safety, Training, Operations, and Maintenance Officer during his tenure.  He deployed in support of OEF and Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) with CVW-8 onboard the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77).
 
Following his time at War College, CAPT Upright served a joint tour as the J7 Joint Doctrine Staff Officer for NATO Allied Joint Force Command, Brunssum, The Netherlands.
 
CAPT Upright then served at the Executive Officer at HSC-9 from January to August 2019.  He reported as the Executive Officer at HSC-7 in September 2019, and served as the Commanding Officer of the Dusty Dogs from April 2020 to April 2021 where he deployed onboard USS Eisenhower (CVN 69) in 2020 and 2021 in support of OIR and Operation Freedom Sentinel. 
 
Following his time in Command, he reported to US Fleet Forces Command where he served as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Commander.  He also deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar as the Battle Director for the Combined Air Operations Center.
 
He was peer selected for the Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award (HSC-9) and his military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (2 strike/flight), Navy Commendation Medal (4), and various unit and campaign awards.

Last Updated: 31 July 2023